Cancer deaths spike in region

THE rate of deaths among Geelong cancer patients is 20 per cent higher than would be expected, new data has revealed.

The Australian Cancer Atlas, launched yesterday, is an interactive online map detailing the survival rates of cancer across the country for 20 of the most common cancers.

In Geelong, stomach, oesophageal, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma and head and neck cancers were identified as the most frequently occurring.

Rates of cancer across the region are similar to the rest of the country, only 3 per cent above the national average, however the rate of excess deaths is 18 per cent higher.

Excess deaths among people with cancer is classified as the number of deaths that happen within five years of diagnosis, above and beyond the number of deaths that would be expected in the general population.

Cancer Council Queensland head of research Joanne Aitken said while some of the patterns of incidents and mortality could be explained by lifestyle characteristics or access to health services, “there are many disparities”.

“This is why the atlas is such an important tool — as it will help researchers determine where we need to direct further projects to understand and improve these disparities,” Professor Aitken said.

Western Victoria PHN chief executive Leanne Beagley said the technology would be used to identify the needs of the community and provide more targeted services.

“The atlas will be highly valuable for us in our role of identifying the primary health needs of local communities in our region and designing effective services to meet demand into the future,” Dr Beagley said.

“This platform provides a better understanding of how the burden of cancer varies across our region, and will help us develop effective health responses can be delivered to those who need it most.”

Prof Aitken said it was important for people to remember the average cancer rates in the area represented patterns, and were not necessarily a reflection of personal cancer risk.

“Regardless of what is happening in our local area — we should each feel empowered to reduce our cancer risk by not smoking, being SunSmart, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and getting checked,” she said.